Ignite Session 3: Finding Connection, Motivation, and Inspiration Before the Festive Break

Last week, our team of change makers came together for the latest Ignite session — the final one before the Christmas break. This time, we were guided by Lucy Taylor, founder of Make Work Play, a company dedicated to helping teams and individuals unlock creativity, collaboration, and motivation through playful approaches.

Lucy is a facilitator, systemic coach, and designer of immersive learning experiences, with a background in behaviour change consulting, storytelling, and strategic roles in organisations including Greenpeace International and eatbigfish. Her work focuses on using creative practices — from improvisation to storytelling — to help people work together better and find their flow.

The session was a mix of reflection, connection, and inspiration, leaving participants feeling motivated and supported. Words highlighted in feedback included lucky, reflective, inspirational, confidence, and world connected. One participant said:

“I came in feeling stressed… I feel so humble and inspired it’s made me feel 1 million times better and that there is hope.”

Another admitted:

“I walked in thinking I knew everything. I don’t know the important things. Fantastic group of people.”

Lucy herself reflected on the session with warmth, noting the joy of hearing our stories and witnessing the passion each of us brings to change-making in Southampton. She encouraged us to continue developing and sharing our personal stories — using them as a tool to inspire others and create meaningful connections.

The Ignite sessions are about more than skills; they’re about creating a supportive space where ideas, challenges, and experiences can be shared honestly. Through activities guided by Lucy, participants left feeling energised, motivated, and more connected to each other — a perfect way to carry forward into the holiday season.

As Lucy reminded us, even when the world feels overwhelming, the small actions we take in our communities matter. By telling our stories, listening to each other, and working together, we’re part of something bigger — and that’s what makes Ignite so special.

Find out more about Ignite and how to get involved here: Southampton Forward – Ignite